Yes, there is oxygen inside the pyramids, but potentially in varying concentrations depending on the specific chamber and how well it is ventilated.
While some areas within the pyramids may have lower oxygen levels, the statement that they are "oxygen-deficient" is relative. The reference describes an unfinished subterranean chamber in Khufu's Pyramid as an "oxygen-deficient space." This doesn't mean there's no oxygen at all, but rather that the concentration might be lower than in the open air due to the enclosed space and limited ventilation. Factors influencing the amount of oxygen include:
- Ventilation: Some pyramids, like the Great Pyramid, have ventilation shafts that allow for air circulation. The effectiveness of these shafts in constantly replenishing oxygen is debatable.
- Chamber Location and Sealing: Deep, sealed chambers would likely have lower oxygen levels than chambers closer to the surface or connected to ventilation systems.
- Decomposition and Organic Matter: The presence of organic materials, if any, that decompose over time could consume oxygen and release other gases.
- Human Activity: Researchers and tourists exploring the pyramids consume oxygen, albeit in relatively small quantities.
Therefore, while some chambers, especially sealed or subterranean ones, might have slightly reduced oxygen levels, it's inaccurate to say definitively that there's "no oxygen" or that they are dangerously oxygen-deficient for short periods of time. Normal atmospheric air, including oxygen, permeates inside the pyramids, albeit with potentially diminished concentrations in specific, poorly ventilated locations.
